Cherry Blossoms ...

Weeping Cherry, © Joan Z. Rough, 2008

It's official! Spring arrived here in the wee hours of the night as I slept, Breathe Right strip taped to the bridge of my nose, so that the pollen and ensuing congestion gathering in my sinuses wouldn't cause me to snore. People are already complaining about seasonal allergies ... that thick, heavy headed feeling, dripping nose, constant sneezing and feelings of malaise. But it's all so gorgeous how can one complain??

Another question!! Can one be married to the same person for going on 43 years and still learn something new about them??

Over the past couple of days I've been watching the blossoms on the weeping cherry outside the kitchen window, slowly swell, getting ready for their annual blooming. I happened to point it out to the love of my life and he said yes, he'd noticed and added that they are a little over a week early this year. I asked him how he knew that and he said because he keeps track of it every year and that every year since we've been living in this house, they have burst forth on the same date! Let me tell you, I was completely awed by this self-proclaimed indoor couch potato, who finds working in the garden too dirty and back straining.

I thought I was the only one keeping records and in my snotty, superior way, the only nature lover in the house. I record daily weather conditions ... how much rain or snow falls. I notate which birds arrive, leave and when ... and all sorts of other crazy things happening outside in the garden. I am the one who loves working in the yard and getting dirty. I do agree with him about the back straining problems as I get older. But right now I'm doing fine and loving every minute.

The interesting thing about all this is that I've never kept track of when the cherry tree blooms. When my sweet husband told me that he does, my heart stirred .... like it did when I knew I was first falling head over heels in love with him all those years ago. It is a validation of our love and the years we've spent together, in sickness and in health, in and out-of-doors. It's a reminder of my own misunderstanding of his love for the outside world and how he grieves when any one cuts down a tree.

So, you betcha!! After 43 years we can still find out new things about each other and ourselves. And what a delight it is, for me at least. For Bill, it may not be so great. He's finding out that I snore ... loudly!!